Development's approval "could open floodgates" (From Thurrock Gazette)

Development's approval "could open floodgates"

8:10am Friday 6th April 2012 in News

THERE are fears the approval of 350 homes on green belt land in Stanford-le-Hope could open the floodgates for more development.

Stanford-le-Hope West Cllr Terry Hipsey is fuming the Barratt Homes development, on land off Butts Lane, was approved by Secretary of State Eric Pickles.

The Labour councillor called the decision “gut wrenching” and said he saw this coming after Mr Pickles approved plans for 299 new homes on green belt land in Bata Field, East Tilbury, in July 2010.

Cllr Hipsey also said he is concerned a lot more developments are on the way for Stanford-le-Hope, which also saw the approval of a 153-home development off The Manorway a couple of weeks ago.

He said: “Only last year I warned Thurrock residents what I feared would happen, I said I was concerned that it would open the floodgates.

“My worry is that with the huge port expansion coming, is this just one more of many developments earmarked for Stanford?”

Developer Colonnade got the green light for the Bata Field development despite the objection of Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, Thurrock Council and many residents in the town.

Cllr Hipsey said this, and the Barratt Homes application, show the “hypocrisy” of the Localism Bill, designed to give communities more say.

Cllr Hipsey added: “This latest gut-wrenching approval goes against the wishes of hundreds of local people whom made their views known, yet were ignored.”